NEWS
Govt Investigates Kaduna LNG-powered Luxury Bus Explosion
Kaduna residents have been assured that the explosion involving a liquefied natural gas-powered bus at Mando Motor Park has nothing to do with security.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday, in which he ordered a multi-agency investigation into the ugly incident.
According to the statement, the directive followed preliminary findings by the Kaduna State Government, which attributed the early morning blast on April 5 to a technical fault allegedly linked to the overfilling of a compressed natural gas tank.
The government’s stance, appears to be a variance with the operator of the affected vehicle, Silver Luxury Travel, who are insisting that the cause of the explosion has yet to be determined.
The government statement under the signature of the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, described the explosion as minor and clarified that it did not involve any explosive device.
“The incident was not a bomb explosion. There was no casualty and no significant property damage. The situation was swiftly brought under control, and normal activities have since resumed,” Maiyaki said.
He added that Sani had directed security agencies, technical regulators, and safety authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into both the immediate and remote causes of the explosion.
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According to him, “the Governor has mandated a comprehensive probe to ensure that all necessary safety standards are upheld and to prevent a recurrence.”
Maiyaki also commended the Kaduna State Police Command, particularly its Bomb Disposal Unit, for its prompt response in securing the scene and calming public fears.
He urged residents to disregard unverified reports circulating in the public space and continue their lawful activities without panic.
But in a counterstatement, Silver Luxury Travel disputed the government’s preliminary findings, maintaining that investigations were still ongoing.
“The cause of the explosion has not been ascertained. It is therefore premature to attribute it to any specific factor, including overfilling of a gas tank,” the company said.
The firm disclosed that the blast affected two of its buses parked side by side at its Kaduna terminal—one powered by LNG and the other by diesel.
It explained that the explosion occurred between the two vehicles, damaging a fuel tank and a gas canister, which made it difficult to immediately determine the exact source of the blast.
“Both buses have multiple tanks, but only those on the affected side were impacted,” the statement noted.
While not ruling out possible sabotage, the company said it had reported the incident to the police and would fully cooperate with investigators.
It also clarified that, contrary to initial speculation, none of its buses runs on compressed natural gas.
“Only one of the affected buses is LNG-powered, and the tank was not overfilled as speculated,” the company stated.
The incident has raised concerns over safety compliance in the use of gas-powered vehicles, especially as more transport operators adopt alternative fuel systems amid rising energy costs.
Authorities say the outcome of the ongoing investigation will guide further regulatory actions to strengthen safety standards in the sector.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
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One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
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With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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